Effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of Aloe vera L. on polycystic ovary syndrome in rat

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) that afflicts 10 percent of infertile women is the most important reason for the cessation of ovulation. So the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of Aloe vera L. on the treatment of PCOS in rat. Materials and Methods: This experimental study was carried out on Wistar rats (n=35, weight: 180±20 g) with 2-3 consecutive estrous cycle. Then rats were divided to 5 groups: Control group; PCOS group (Stradiolvalerate 4 mg/kg/im); Experimental 1,2 and 3 groups (Stradiolvalerate 4 mg/kg/im+Aloe vera L. extract 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg/ip, respectively). After 21 days blood samples were taken to measure the concentration of estrogen and progesterone hormones. Findings were analyzed using ANOVA and Duncan statistical tests at the significant level of P<0.05. Results: The results showed a significant increment in PCOS group and decrement in the Experimental 2 and 3 groups in estrogen concentration compared to the Control group, respectively (P<0.05). The concentration of progesterone hormone in PCOS group and the Experimental groups were significantly decreased compared to the Control group (P<0.05). Conclusions: The hydro-alcoholic extract of Aloe vera L. decreased and increased the concentration of estrogen and progesterone hormone in rat, respectively. So it appears that the use of Aloe vera L. would be effective in the treatment of infertility disorders and PCOS

Effect of fluoxetine on hormonal axis of pituitary-gonad in adult female rats

Background: Fluoxetine is frequently used to treat depression. There has not been any report for the effect of fluoxetine on hormonal axis of pituitary-gonad in rats. Several studies have also shown that antidepressants have interaction with sex hormones in both sexes and women are more likely to take antidepressants than men. This study aimed to examine the effect of fluoxetine on sexual hormones in female rats. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 40 female rats (180-200 g and 100-120 days of age) were divided into the five groups including control, sham and three experimental (fluoxetine 5, 10 and 20 mg/kg) groups. Fluoxetine was intraperitoneally injected during four weeks. Control group did not receive any drug, but the sham group was injected with distilled water (0.18-0.2 ml/kg body weight). Levels of FSH, LH, estrogen and progesterone were measured using a blood test. Results: Results of this study showed that fluoxetine (10 or 20mg/kg) considerably reduced the estrogen and FSH levels and also fluoxetine (20mg/kg) reduced the progesterone level. However, different doses of fluoxetine did not change the LH level. Conclusion: Fluoxetine can decrease the estrogen, progesterone, FSH levels and cause oogenic defects in rats

Aloe Vera Extract Effect on Sperm Quality and Testicular Tissue of Rats Induced by Cadmium Chloride

Background & aim: A lot of physical and chemical factors cause infertility disorders. Cadmium is a chemical agent which damages the cell structure of the reproductive system. For reducing the effects of various factors, new traditional methods have been used. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Aloe vera extract on testicular tissue of rats induced by cadmium chloride. Methods: In this experimental study, 40 male Wistar rats (180-200 gr) were randomly divided into four groups. Groups 1 and 2 received Cadmium chloride (1/5 mg / kg/ IP). Mice induced by cadmium chloride were treated with Aloe vera. Control and normal rats were treated with 400 mg/kg of Aloe vera extracts. After 25 days, these rats were weighed and then anesthetized using ether. Blood samples were collected from each individual to assess the level of testosterone and then the animals were debriefed. The testes were removed and transferred to 10% formalin solution. After tissue processing, 5 micron sections were prepared and stained with heamatoxillin-eosin and investigated by light microscope. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA test. Results: Mean seminiferous tubular diameter, number of spermatogonia, Leydig and Sertoli cell of cadmium control group compared to the healthy control group showed a significant decrease (p<0.05). The mean sperm count and sperm motility in extract cadmium group and healthy control group was close to normal and displayed a significant difference (p< 0.05). Conclusion: Hydroalcoholic extract of Aloe vera increases the number of spermatogonia, Leydig and Sertoli testicular tissue of mice contaminated with cadmium chlorid